THESIS TITLE: SANDIGAN: A Proposed Orphanage using a Biophilic Approach in Catbalogan City
THESIS PROPONENT: ARIANE MAE P. DONGANO
THESIS ADVISER: AR. ROMMEL VALUIS
SCHOOL: SAMAR STATE UNIVERSITY
YEAR OF DEFENSE: APRIL 26. 2023
This architectural thesis presents SANDIGAN, a biophilic orphanage designed to create a nurturing, safe, and healing environment for abandoned, neglected, and vulnerable children in Catbalogan City, Samar. The project highlights the significant role of architecture in shaping the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of children, particularly those who have suffered trauma and instability at a young age. By incorporating biophilic design principles—emphasizing the connection between people and nature—this design aims to provide a supportive space that fosters emotional security, resilience, and holistic development, while responding to the local social, cultural, and environmental context.
In the Philippines, the number of abandoned and neglected children continues to rise due to a variety of socio-economic and environmental factors, including parental migration for overseas work, teenage pregnancy, natural disasters, and poverty. According to UNICEF, millions of Filipino children are affected by neglect or abandonment, placing significant strain on the country’s social welfare systems and orphanages. Despite providing basic shelter and food, many orphanages lack environments that support emotional healing and psychological stability. Children placed in institutional care often experience heightened levels of anxiety, confusion, and emotional distress, which can lead to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems if not addressed.
This thesis acknowledges that the built environment plays a crucial role in supporting children’s overall well-being. When designed with care and sensitivity, architecture can reduce stress, promote emotional security, and encourage positive social interaction among children. The biophilic approach seeks to harness the calming and restorative effects of nature by integrating natural elements into architectural design. Research has shown that access to natural light, fresh air, greenery, and outdoor spaces can improve children's mental health, cognitive development, and social behavior.
The primary goal of this thesis is to propose a biophilic orphanage design that enhances the quality of life for orphaned children in Catbalogan City. The study aims to identify appropriate biophilic design strategies that support the children’s physical, emotional, and psychological health. It also evaluates the feasibility of incorporating biophilic principles within the context of Catbalogan’s unique environmental, cultural, and socio-economic conditions. The design is intended not only to meet the immediate needs of orphaned children but also to provide a sustainable and child-centered approach to orphanage architecture.
The design is rooted in developmental theories, particularly attachment theory, which emphasizes the importance of early emotional experiences in child development. Attachment theory asserts that stable, nurturing environments are essential for healthy emotional and psychological growth. Children who grow up in emotionally deprived institutional settings often face delays in physical growth, cognitive development, and social behavior. In contrast, environments that promote warmth, consistency, and sensory stimulation—such as those provided by natural light, green spaces, and outdoor areas—help children develop stronger emotional regulation and cognitive abilities. By promoting these principles, the biophilic orphanage design aims to improve the overall well-being of the children who will call it home.
The orphanage will be located in Barangay Bunuanan, Catbalogan City, on a 1.5-hectare site that was chosen for its peaceful surroundings and proximity to residential neighborhoods, which provide a supportive community environment. The site features existing vegetation and natural topography, including rolling hills, which align with the principles of biophilic design. By utilizing these natural features, the design seeks to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, making nature a central part of the children’s daily lives.
However, the site presents certain challenges. Limited road access and the risk of medium flooding were identified as environmental concerns during the site analysis. These issues were carefully addressed in the design phase to ensure the orphanage's resilience and adaptability to local conditions. Strategies such as raised building foundations, proper drainage systems, and environmentally sensitive landscaping were incorporated to mitigate these challenges. The design also prioritizes sustainability by incorporating features like natural ventilation, rainwater harvesting, and solar energy systems, which reduce the building's environmental footprint and ensure its long-term sustainability.
The orphanage design also considers the local infrastructure and utility systems. While the city has access to basic services like electricity, water, and waste management, challenges such as water shortages and inefficient waste disposal systems were identified. The design incorporates sustainable systems like efficient water use, recycled materials, and environmentally responsible waste management practices to address these concerns. By minimizing the orphanage’s environmental impact, the design contributes to both the well-being of the children and the surrounding community.
The significance of this study extends beyond the immediate needs of orphaned children. The proposed SANDIGAN Biophilic Orphanage offers a comprehensive design solution that responds to the social, environmental, and developmental challenges faced by vulnerable children. For the local community, the orphanage serves as a symbol of hope and support for at-risk children, while promoting sustainable, child-centered development. For the field of architecture, the study contributes a biophilic design approach to institutional settings, offering valuable insights into how architecture can positively influence the lives of vulnerable populations.
This thesis focuses on the design proposal for the orphanage rather than actual construction or post-occupancy evaluation. It does not include a detailed assessment of existing orphanages in the Philippines but instead explores the potential of biophilic design as a sustainable, innovative approach to social welfare architecture.
In conclusion, the SANDIGAN Biophilic Orphanage represents a holistic approach to orphanage design that prioritizes the emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of children. Through the integration of biophilic design principles, the project aims to create a safe, nurturing, and resilient environment where orphaned children can feel valued, supported, and connected to the natural world around them. The design philosophy follows Charles Eames’ principle: "Recognizing the need is the primary condition of the design," emphasizing the importance of responding to the unique needs of vulnerable children through compassionate, thoughtful architecture. The project demonstrates that architecture, when guided by empathy, research, and sustainability, can play a transformative role in improving the lives of the most vulnerable members of society.
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